Last week, B&NES Council announced changes to library opening hours across the area. With finances stretched, the Council warns it will have to make further savings in this area during the next three years and has begun talking to partner organisations about sharing resources in consultation with the community.
With visitor numbers lower early in the day and late in the evening, the Council says it has adjusted opening and closing times, keeping the days in which libraries open the same.
Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This is about ensuring services at all our libraries are maintained, sustainable and can be delivered within our current staff resource. The Council has to achieve significant financial savings over the next three years, however, unlike some councils across the country – we are committed to retaining a library service.”
Bath and North East Somerset Council runs Midsomer Norton Library, The Hub, Paulton, Radstock Library, Bath Central Library, the Keynsham One Stop Shop and Library, Moorland Road, Weston and Saltford libraries and the Mobile Library Service.
From 31st October, Bath Central Library will now close at 6 p.m. from Monday – Friday, Keynsham will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesays and Fridays, opening at 9.30 a.m. on Saturdays, Midsomer Norton will close two hours earlier on Mondays at 5 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Paulton Hub will close at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesdays instead of 6 p.m., Radstock will close two hours earlier at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, rather than 7 p.m. For details, visit: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/library-locations-opening-times-and-information
The mobile library’s current opening hours will not change as part of this alteration to the main libraries and branch libraries.
Library services can still be accessed when closed by calling 01225 394041 (available during Council Connect opening hours); or renew and reserve items online at: www.librarieswest.org.uk (with your membership number and PIN code to hand).
Speaking this week about the changes, Councillor Dine Romero, (Leader of the Lib-Dem Group and Councillor for Southdown), commented: “These changes will see opening hours at each library in B&NES reduced. Many residents rely on libraries, particularly children, older people and job seekers, so it’s important that the Council keeps libraries open.
“The announcement of these changes with no warning and no consultation is typical of this administration’s attitude towards residents. B&NES residents can expect many further service reductions and amendments as Conservative cuts begin to bite.”